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Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, led by the President.

Commander-in-Chief

The role of the President as the head of the armed forces.

Veto Power

The power of the President to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Treaties

Formal agreements between countries, which require Senate approval.

Executive Orders

Presidential directives that manage the operations of the federal government.

Formal Powers of the Bureaucracy

Powers to implement and enforce federal laws and regulations.

Logrolling

An agreement between lawmakers to support each other's bills.

Pork Barrel Legislation

Funding for specific local projects added to bills to win votes.

Iron Triangle

The relationship among congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups.

Trustee vs. Delegate

Trustee acts on personal judgment; Delegate follows constituents' wishes.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional, established by Marbury v. Madison.

Impeachment

The process by which federal officials are charged with misconduct and can be removed.

Bully Pulpit

The President's use of media and public influence to advocate for policies.

Judicial Activism

Judicial philosophy that advocates for broader interpretations of the law.

Judicial Restraint

Judicial philosophy that encourages limited judicial intervention.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments.

Constituent Services

Assistance provided by Congress members to their constituents.

Speaker of the House

The most powerful member of the House, typically from the majority party.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between the national and state governments.

Ratifying Treaties

The Senate's exclusive power to approve treaties with a two-thirds vote.

Amendment Process

The procedure for changing the Constitution, involving proposal and ratification.

Incorporation Doctrine

Legal application of the Bill of Rights to state governments through the 14th Amendment.

Fiscal Policy

Government policy regarding taxation and spending to influence the economy.

Monetary Policy

The Federal Reserve's management of interest rates to control inflation and employment.

Public Policy

The principles on which social laws are based, often influenced by various political forces.

State of the Union Address

Annual speech by the President to Congress outlining policies and priorities.

Executive Agreements

International agreements made by the President without Senate approval.

Administrative Discretion

The authority of bureaucrats to make choices concerning the best way to implement policies.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch's power.

Checks and Balances

System that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Casework

Type of constituent service that involves helping individuals with specific problems.

Federal Budget

A financial plan for the federal government, detailing expected revenue and expenditures.

Political Outputs

The actions of government resulting from political decisions and processes.

Influence of Interest Groups

The effect that organized groups have on political policy and decisions.

Economic Growth

An increase in the production of goods and services over a period of time.

Judicial Precedent

A legal principle established by previous court decisions.

Majority Party

The political party in each house of Congress that holds the most seats.

Diversity of Factions

The presence of a variety of different groups or interests in a political system.

Civic Participation

The involvement of citizens in the political process, including voting and activism.

Taxation Powers

The authority of government to impose taxes on individuals and businesses.

Public Spending

Expenditure of government funds for services and programs.

Electoral College

The body that elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Civil Rights Movement

A movement aimed at ending racial discrimination and promoting equality.

Federal Reserve System

The central bank of the United States, responsible for monetary policy.

Economic Recession

A significant decline in economic activity across the economy lasting longer than a few months.

Components of Federalism

The structure that allows for shared governance between national and state governments.